Push release latch



Sept 11, 1962 w. B. FLANIGEN ETAL 3,053,560

PUSH RELEASE LATCH Filed May 2, 1961 r t n] a INVENTORS BRUCE G. DUNCKEL' WARREN FLANIGEN avg AT TORNEYS.

United VStates Patent O 3,653,560 PUSH RELEASE LATCH Warren 1B. lFlanig-en, Ciifton, and Bruce G. Dunckei, @akland, NJ., assignars to Litecraft Manufacturing Corporation, Passaic, NJ., a corporation of New York Filed May 2, 1961, Ser. No. 107,187 3 Ciainis. (Cl. 29E-99) This invention relates to an improved push release latch.

The general principle of a push release latch is that in its use, a movable member to be latched is rst pushed into latching position relative to a cooperating xed member; and the movable member may then be unlatched simply by pushing it further in the same direction that it was pushed to latch it, this causing the latch automatically to 'oe released. This action is in contrast to the usual latching action, in which the latch itself must be manipulated in order to release it.

One object of this invention is to provide an improved push release latch which is economical to make and to install, does not require critical adjustment and may be readily operated. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved push release latch which is substantially foolproof in operation.

Without limitation thereto, the invention has particular application to a ceiling lighting fixture7 and the invention will be described with reference to a ceiling fixture. However, it will be understood that the latch may be also used in conjunction with a wall xture, or in conjunction with any two members which are to be releasably latched together.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe invention, the keeper or pin is mounted on the front of a fixed frame of a ceiling lighting lixture in such a way that the pin extends laterally and'has one end free, and so that the pin is `accessible to a latch member mounted on the front of a movable diffuser frame hinged at its rear to the fixed frame. Said latch member is in the form of a flat blade spring having a shank connected at its lower end to the diiuser frame in such a way that the shank extends laterally and also extends vertically upwardly from the diffuser frame. Normally, said shank is located forwardly of the pin, as taken in the closing position of the diffuser frame. 'Ihe pins mounted end is located laterally outwardly of the shank; and the pin extends past one side edge of the shank, with the free end of the pin located intermediate the side edges of the shank. The shank has a cutout extending to its upper end and to its said one side, the inner edge of the cutout being located clearingly with respect to the inner orextending upwardly rearwardly Vfrom the front of theA The pin is Ynormally located longi- Y tudinally intermediate ,the front and rear edges of the intermediate leg.

aforesaid legs. g Y Y y As a result of the above description, the upperleg is adapted upon upward movement of the diffuser frame to strike the pin cammingly, the shank being thereby deected rearwardly until the Vpin clears the upper legand is located in the recess between the intermediate leg and the lower leg, the shank being then adapted to return towards its normal position so as to lock thetwo frames j releasably together. Y

When it is desired to unlatch the two frame members, it is only necessary to move the diiuserl frame still further upwardly, the lower leg then striking the pin cam-V mingly so as to again deilect the shank rearwardly until` the pin clears the lower leg and is in registration with the cutout in the shank. The shank then returns to its normal position with the pin passing through the cutout so as to be again located behind the shank. When the diffuser frame is then released, it drops downwardly by gravity, with the pin then striking the lower and upperY legs on the rear surfaces thereof and deflecting the shank `forwardly until the pin is again located above the level of the latch.

This construction is highly advantageous in that noV accurate machining of parts is required, and in view of the simplicity of the construction.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description, in conjunction with the annexed drawing, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed.

In the drawing,

FiG. l is a perspective view of ceiling lighting fixture frame members, showing the improved latch mounted thereon, the frame members being unlatched.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional View through the frame'.

members, showing the two latch members in side elevation and in unlatched condition.

FIGS, 3-7 are respectively fragmentary perspective views of the latch spring and latch pin, showing successive stages of operation of the latch members. PIG. 3 shows the movable latch spring being moved upwardly to locking engagement with the fixed latch pin or keeper.

FIG. 4 shows the latch Aspring being deflected by the pin during continued upward movement of the diffuser frame.

FiG. 5 shows the latch members in latching position.

. FIG. 6 shows a step in the unlatching operation, after' the diffuser frame has been raised from locking position for clearing movement of the pin through the cutout in the shank of the latch spring shank.

FIG. 7 shows further separation of the diffuser frame from the main ceiling frame, with the pin striking the rear of the head of the latch spring.V

Upon reference to the drawing in detail, it will be larly outwardly from side wall 11 at the lower end there-Y of, and peripheral flange 13 extending perpendicularly inwardly from wall 11 at the upper end thereof. Side wall 11 has a -front laterally extending portion 11a. Flange 13 has a front laterally extending flange portion 13a.

plements the shape of fixed frame member 10, in the usual way. Frame member 1S has an upstanding peripha eral wall 16 which is receivedY nestingly within Wall 11 in the closed position of diffuser :frame 15. Wall 16 has a bottom, inwardly extending peripheral tlange 17.,

which is optionally upwardly inclined, as shown in FIG.

2. Diffuser 18 is mounted upon flange 17 in the usual manner. Wall, 16 hasa front laterally extending portion 16a.

1T he rear of diffuser frame 15 is connected to the rearl of ceiling frame 10 by any suitable means, suchasthe` hinge 19 shown diagrammatically Vand in broken `lines in Y FIG. 1, said yhin-ge 19 being turnable about a lateral pivot so that'wall 16 may be moved into and cnt of l nested position with respect to wall 11., As diffuser frame 15 approaches its closed position, as shown in Patented Sept. 11, V1962v Diiuser frame 15 is of rectangular shape which com-A 3 FIGS. l and 2, the wall portion 16a may be considered as moving substantially vertically.

Block or bracket 21 is mounted upon the upper face of flange portion 13a adjacent the center thereof. Pin 20 is fixed to one side of bracket 21 and extends laterally therefrom. The free end of pin 2i) is designated as its inner end and is designated by the reference numeral 20a. Said pin 2t) is located adjacent the front of ange portion 13a and is spaced above flange portion 13a. Flange portion 13a has a slot 9 under pin 2.1. This Slot 9 extends rearwardly from the front edge of ange portion 13a, and extends from 'bracket 21 past the free or inner end 20a of pin 2t).

Latch member 3i) is in the form of a blade spring having a straight, generally rectangular shank 31. Said shank 31 is fixed to the rear face of wall portion 16a by means of rivet 29 which extends through the aperture of flange portion 16a and also through aperture 28 of shank 31, the rivet being headed over the usual way. The bottom of Shank 31 abuts the junction of wall 16 and liange 17, to prevent turning of shank 31. Shank 31 extends vertically and laterally and extends above the upper edge of wall portion 16a. Said shank 31 has parallel side edges 31a and 31b. Shank 31 has a rectangular cutout 32 extending inwardly from its side edge 31b and extending from a point above the lower edge of shank 31 to the upper edge thereof. Cutout 32 extends at least as low as the upper edge of wall portion 16a. Bracket Z1 is located proximate to and outwardly of shank side edge 31h, so that pin 26 registers longitudinally with cutout 32. The inner edge 32a of cutout 32 is located clearingly inwardly of the inner end 20a of pin 20. As Shown in FIG. 2, an imaginary vertical line 9a drawn through pin 20 is located rearwardly of shank 31 when diffuser frame is in its position just below closing position with respect to ceiling frame 10.

Latch spring 30 has an integral head generally designated by the reference numeral 33. This head 33 cornprises lower leg 34, intermediate leg 35 and upper leg 36. Lower leg 34 is connected to the upper edge of shank 31 and extends upwardly rearwardly with respect thereto. Intermediate leg 35 is connected to the upper end of leg I34 and extends forwardly and generally horizontally (as viewed in FIG. 2) therefrom. Leg 36 is connected to the front end of leg 35 and is upwardly rearwardly inclined. Legs 34, 35 and 36 are laterally coextensive with the bottom portion of shank 31 (below cutout 32).

The aforesaid imaginary line 9a intersects the three legs 34, 35 and 36 approximately centrally with respect to the respective front and rear edges thereof. The front edge of leg 35 is in approximately the same plane as that of shank 31 and passes clearingly rearwardly of flange portion 16a while the frame members are being latched. The rear ends of legs 34 and 36 are in an approximately generally vertical plane. The total longitudinal dimension of head 33 is less than the longitudinal dimension of slot 9. The width of member 30 is less than the width of slot 9, and they are in vertical registration.

The operation of the latch is as follows:

With diffuser frame 15 initially in open position relative to xed ceiling frame 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, diffuser frame 15 is moved upwardly, as indicated by arrow 41 in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

FIG. 3 shows latch member 30 still below pin 20. Upon further upward movement of latch spring 31, upper leg 36 strikes pin 20, and upon continued upward movement of latch member 31, leg 36 moves cammingly upwardly against pin 21, as shown in FIG. 4, so that shank 31 is exed to move its head 33 rearwardly. The longitudinal dimension of slot 9 is suciently great to permit this action without interference. Preferably, lower leg 34 has at least mostly passed through slot 9 when leg 4 36 strikes pin Ztl, so as to minimize the clearance problem.

Upon continued upward movement of diluser frame 15, pin 20 clears leg 36, permitting latch spring 31 to return to its normal position, in which pin 20 is located in the recess 40 defined by legs 34 and 35. When diffuser frame 15 is released, leg 35 rests upon pin 20 which serves as a stop to prevent diffuser frame 15 from dropping. This is shown in FIG. 5.

When it is desired to unlatch diffuser frame 15, it need merely be pushed further upwardly, with pin 21 then riding on leg 34, and shank 31 again being rearwardly flexed. Finally, pin 2i) is located in registration with cutout 32, as shown in FIG. 6, and shank 31 springs forwardly again so that pin 2t) is again located rearwardly of shank 31. Upon release of diffuser frame 15, it drops downwardly by gravity in the direction of arrow 42 (FIGS. 6 and 7). As shown in the broken line position of pin 20 in FIG. 7, the rear surface of lower leg 34 then rides upon pin 2t), shank 31 being flexed forwardly. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7, the rear surface of leg 36 subsequently rides upon pin 20, and shank 31 is again forwardly exed. Finally, the parts return to their relative position of FIG. 3 in which the latch spring 3i) is completely clear of pin 20.

It will be apparent that head 33 does not necessarily have to be integral with shank 31, and that the recess between legs 35 and 36 can be lilled in. It is necessary that the front recess 40 be provided and that the upper and lower surfaces of head 33 by inclined in the manner shown in the drawing.

It will also be apparent that the invention is not limited to a ceiling fixture. For example, frame 10 may be the frame of a wall fixture; and any suitable means, such as a spring, may be provided to bias frame 15 to opening position. Also, frame 15 may be provided with a handle or other means for moving it manually into and out of latching position.

Alternately, also, the invention may be used with frame members other than the frame members of a lighting xture.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed, and Various possible changes, omissions and additions have been indicated therein, it will be ap- V parent that various other changes, omissions and additions may be made in the invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof.

In the claims, for convenience of terminology, the frarne members are defined as being vertically movable and the latch spring is defined as extending vertically. However, it will be understood, as explained above, that the operating parts of the assembly can be oriented in other positions; and the structure specified in the claims is not to `be limited to the precise orientation set fourth therein.

Further for convenience of terminology, in the claims, the frame member carrying the latch spring is defined as being the lower frame member and as moving relative to the frame member which carries the pin. However, it will be understood that the latch member can be on the upper frame member with the pin on the lower frame member, and that the frame member carrying the pin can be movable with the frame member carrying the latch member stationary. Furthermore, both frame members can be movable. Accordingly, the claims are to be construed and read in the light of these variations.

We claim:

1. Latch for first and second members which are movable toward and away from each other along a vertical axis, said latch comprising a laterally extending pin, means mounting said pin on said first member so that said pin has one end free and so that said pin is accessible for latching, a latch spring mounted on said second member and extending axially toward said rst member, said latch spring having a shank attached to said second member in the form of a laterally and axially extending blade spring, said latch spring being adapted to be flexed forwardly and rearwardly and being normally located forwardly of said pin when said latch spring is in general latching position, said latch spring also comprising a head on the upper end of said shank, the free end of said pin being located intermediate the sides of said shank, said shank having a cutout in the side thereof which is proximate said pin, the inner side of said cutout being located beyond the free end of said pin, said head having a recess in the front thereof and having upwardly rearwardly inclined upper and lower surfaces extending rearwardly of said shank, said pin being normally located intermediate the front and rear ends of said inclined surfaces of said head, said upper surface of said head being adapted to be struck cammingly by said pin during upward movement of said second member so as to deflect said shank rearwardly until said pin clears said upper surface and opposes the front of said head, said pin being thereby adapted to enter said front recess to hold said members releasably latched together, the lower surface of said recess -being shaped to act cammingly upon said pin, upon further raising of said lower member, so as to again `deflect said spring rearwardly until said pin leaves said recess, until the upper movement of said lower member brings said pin into registration with said cutout, said spring being adapted then to return to its normal position with said pin passing through said cutout, -said pin being adapted to strike said lower surface of said head and deflect said spring forwardly upon release of said lower member until said pin clears said head.

Z. Latch for top and bottom members vertically movable relative to each other comprising a laterally extending pin, means mounting said pin on said top member so that one end of said pin is free and so that said pin is accessible from said bottom member for latching purposes, a at blade latch spring connected at its lower end to said bottom member and extending vertically upwardly therefrom. said blade spring also extending laterally, said spring having a bottom shank portion normally located forwardly of said pin, the free end of said pin being located intermediate the sides of said spring, said shank having a cutout extending to the upper end thereof in the sides thereof which is proximate to said pin, the inner edge of said cutout being located clearingly with respect to the free end of said pin, said latch member having an integral head comprising a lower leg connected to the top of said shank and inclined upwardly rearwardly with respect thereto, an intermediate leg extending lforwardly from the upper end of -said lower leg and a top leg extending upwardly rearwardly from the front of said intermediate leg, said pin being located intermediate the front and rear edges of said legs, said upper leg being adapted upon upward movement of said lower member to strike said pin cammingly and said shank being adapted thereby to be deilected rearwardly until said pin clears said upper leg and is located in the recess between said intermediate leg and said lower leg, said shank being thereby adapted to return toward its normal position so as to releasably lock said members together, said lower leg being adapted to strike said pin cammingly upon further upward movement of said lower -member so as to again dellect said shank rearwardly until said pin clears said third leg and is in registration with said cutout, said shank being then adapted to return again to its normal position with said pin passing through said cutout so as to be again located behind said shank, said pin being adapted upon resulting lowering of said bottom member to strike said lower and upper legs and deflect said shank forwardly until said pin is located above the level of said latch.

3. Latch for iirst and second members which are movable toward and away from each other along a vertical axis, said latch comprising a laterally extending pin, means mounting said pin on said first member so that said pin has one end free and so that said pin is accessible for latching, a latch spring mounted on said second frame member and extending axially toward said first frame member, said latch spring having a shank attached to said second member in the lform of a laterally and axially extending blade spring, said latch lspring being adapted to be ilexed forwardly and rearwardly and being normally located forwardly of said pin when said latch spring is in general latching position, said latch -spring also comprising a head on the upper end of said shank, the free end of said pin being located intermediate the sides of said shank, said shank having a cutout in the side thereof which is proximate said pin, the inner side of said cutout being located beyond the free end of said pin, said head having means to engage said pin and adapted thereby to ex said latch spring rearwardly upon raising of said second member so that said latch spring head moves upwardly beyond said pin in engagement therewith, said head having a detent recess positioned and adapted thereby to receive said pin releasably and to hold said latch spring in releasably locked condition, said latch spring being adapted to be further raised to clear said pin from said detent recess until the upper movement of said second member brings said pin into registration with said cutout, said spring being adapted then to return to its general latching position with said pin passing through said cutout, said head having means adapted to be struck by said pin to deect said spring forwardly upon release of said second member until said pin clears said head.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,844,401 Kaufman July 22, 1958 2,868,577 Zingone Jan. 13, 1959 2,997,321 Bebriek Aung. 2,2, 1961 

